Wild Bill Hickok Day, May 26

Posted: Thursday, May 23rd, 2013BY: staff

James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok was born May 27, 1837 in Troy Grove. To celebrate his legendary life, in May of 2009, by a proclamation by the State of Illinois, May 27 was declared Wild Bill Hickok Day. The people of the Village of Troy Grove invite you to join them as they celebrate his birthday and historical significance of their small town.

On Sunday, May 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., join them for a day of fun filled activities.

In Wild Bill’s honor, there will be a historic cemetery walk featuring the Hickok family and area history. Steve Dancey will enlighten you with this history including ties to the Underground Railroad and civil war heroes. The Old West Regulators, with Bailey Creek starring as Wild Bill, will perform reenactments from Hickok’s life. Come check out the frontier gun exhibit displayed by the Old West Regulators. There will also be on display, memorabilia of the Hickok family by a direct descendant of the Hickok family. They are excited this year to have a Confederate and Union cannon/campsite on display. It is always amazing to watch how the history unfolds as they set up their exhibit.

To keep the day a fun, family event, there will also be horse and wagon rides by Tony Troyer, Furry Friends petting zoo, a bounce house and children’s games and activities. And do not forget tasty food including sandwiches and root beer floats. So bring a lawn chair and enjoy a day at the park.

Troy Grove Village Park is located one block south of Rt. 52 on Mechanic and Main St. Troy Grove is easily accessible on US Rt.52, two miles east of US Rt. 251 or one mile west of IL 39.

For more information, visit www.wildbillhickok.net or call (815) 539-6995.